EXCLUSIVE: Boss Behind Bold Vision – 340-Bed Student Complex to Transform Thornwood

Ambitious plan to breath new life into derelict Meadow Road site sparks debate in the community

👉 "EXCLUSIVE: The Splash has obtained inside details from the student housing boss on why this plan WILL succeed where others failed—and what it means for the future of Glasgow’s housing crisis.
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EXCLUSIVE By Gary Fanning

A derelict Thornwood site, long seen as an eyesore, could soon be transformed into a massive 340-bed student complex.

Architect chief Duncan Melville, the founder and owner of student property developer Primus Property Group, has given an exclusive insight into the bold redevelopment plans, which promise to breathe new life into the neglected land.

The project—led by Primer Glasgow Ltd —has ignited debate within the community, with residents invited to attend a public consultation at Partick Free Church in Thornwood Terrace on Tuesday.

The development, which will have two blocks, about seven storeys high, aims to include communal spaces for social activities, green areas, and top-tier environmental standards, using air source heat pumps and electric heating. It will be designed as a car-free zone with extensive cycling provisions.

Top quality Promising state-of-the-art communal facilities and sustainable design planned for Meadow Road like this one in Chester

Speaking about the development, Mr Melville expressed the urgent need for transformation.

He told The Splash: “There has been an overwhelming desire to finally do something with this site and remove the longstanding eyesore.

“We have faced little opposition to the idea of student accommodation, which is reassuring.”

The brownfield site at 18-20 Meadow Road has remained derelict since a failed housing project in 2018.

The proposed development just sits outside the council’s area of concentration (SG10) and so is suitable for PBSA development in principle.

Mr Melville outlined the initial site preparation efforts, including clearing infestations such as rats, removing the crane, and improving security.

Abandoned The site at Meadow Road has been left derelict since 2018

He emphasised the economic boost that students bring, with an estimated £3 million spent annually in the neighbourhood.

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While some residents believe the land should be used for residential housing, which was originally for 48 flats back in 2018 , Mr Melville highlighted a critical shortfall in student accommodation.

Reports from CBRE and independent demand studies confirm a lack of purpose-built student housing in Glasgow, leading to students being pushed into private rentals.

A recent report, co-authored by the University of Glasgow published last September found that the current shortfall in student housing in the city is 6,093 beds—far lower than the 22,000 previously suggested by real estate consultancy Savills.

Currently, Glasgow offers 20,049 beds in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and student halls of residence. However, many students continue to seek affordable housing, as PBSA rents can reach up to £1,500 per month, making them unaffordable for most.

With housing shortages affecting both students and families, the demand for affordable accommodation in Glasgow has never been greater.

More than 8000 people are homeless in the city, with 3500 of them children.

Mr Melville said: "This project directly addresses a real need. If we build more dedicated student housing, it eases pressure on family homes in the private rental market."

Experts remain divided on whether PBSA reduces pressure on the private rental market. While some studies suggest it does, others argue that rising PBSA rents push students back into HMOs.

At last week’s Yorkhill and Kelvingrove Community Council meeting, some residents questioned whether building more student flats would actually free up HMOs for families.

Responding to these concerns, Mr. Melville acknowledged that while student housing demand will continue, purpose-built accommodation helps reduce pressure on private rentals.

He added: “Some students will still rent HMOs, but increasing supply in PBSA means fewer students competing for general housing stock. We are not naïve enough to say this solves the entire issue, but it does help alleviate some of the demand.”

Primus, who have developments in Leeds and Lancaster, insists that the location is ideal for students, offering excellent transport links, including bus, train and subway, to the university and a car-free design promoting cycling and sustainability. It is also just a 15-minute walk to the university campus.

However, at least three previous attempts to develop the site faltered due to rising costs and financial miscalculations.

Mr Melville added: “Several developers tried and failed, largely due to soaring development costs.

“The first couldn't make the affordable residential model viable. Another went bust, and even their lender collapsed. We are the fourth group taking this on, but we have the funding and experience to finally make it work. You have to know your market, your numbers and have the experience.”

The project will include a mix of studios and en-suite rooms, expected to cost more than £1000 per month by the time the development is built.

While acknowledging concerns over rent levels, Melville assured that pricing would remain competitive within the student housing sector.

An average studio student flat in the city will start at around £250/£260 per week.

Mr Melville said: “Our prices will be competitive, slightly above the average but still more affordable than some other PBSA options.

“The real solution to rising rents is increasing supply.

“We've heard of students struggling to find housing in Glasgow and having to live as far away as Stirling."

Sustainability is also a key focus, with air-source heat pumps, electric heating, and communal green spaces planned to enhance the environmental credentials of the site.

However, if given the green light, Mr. Melville is confident it will bring a much-needed transformation to Thornwood while addressing Glasgow’s ongoing student housing challenges.

He concluded: “This is a well-designed, visually appealing, and safe development that will enhance the area and eliminate the long-standing eyesore.

“With secure funding in place, this project checks all the right boxes for Thornwood’s redevelopment

“We will deliver it subject to planning permission.”

Feedback on the plans can be submitted online, via email, or by post until February 4. Further consultations are planned next month, with a formal planning application expected in April or May.

Primer Glasgow Ltd is a joint venture between student accommodation specialists Primus Property Group and H.I.G Capital.

If approved, the development could be ready for students starting university in September 2028.

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